HC Deb 18 April 1956 vol 551 c979
1. Mr. P. Williams

asked the Minister of Defence whether he will give the latest estimates of the strengths of the armed services of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and its satellites together with their period of national service.

The Secretary of State for Air (Mr. Nigel Birch)

I have been asked to reply.

As the Answer contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Williams

In view of the possibility that these figures are quite large, can my right hon. Friend say whether the Soviet Union maintains these forces for its own defence or for the subjugation of the countries of Eastern Europe?

Mr. Birch

That is a large question which, no doubt, will be discussed in the coming talks.

Following is the Answer: According to our latest estimates the Soviet Navy is about 600,000 strong, the Soviet Army (including paramilitary forces) 3,200,000, and the Soviet Air Force 800,000. The figures for the satellite countries including East Germany are 20,000, 1,500,000 and 100,000 respectively. In the U.S.S.R. the normal period for whole-time compulsory service varies between 36 and 48 months. In the satellites (except in East Germany where as yet there is no conscription) the period varies from country to country between 24 and 42 months.